When the decision had to be made, Butch Jones said Justin Worley earned the right to be Tennessee’s starting quarterback.

Worley, the most experienced quarterback on the Vols roster, was named the starter Thursday, beating out Josh Dobbs and Nathan Peterman.

Tennessee QB Justin Worley (14) (AP Photo)

“He’s playing the best football that he has in a long time,” Jones told reporters. “He brings different elements to the table. He’s managing the offense, he’s making good decisions with the football. He’s hanging in the pocket, he’s doing a lot of good things.”

Worley started seven games last season, completing 55.6 percent of his passes for 1,239 yards, 10 TDs and eight interceptions. But he injured his thumb against Alabama and missed the rest of the season.

Dobbs started the rest of the season. He completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 695 yards, two TDs and six interceptions. He also ran for 189 yards. Peterman threw for just 45 yards on 10 of 23 passing.